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Ten Best New York City Spring Date Ideas

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Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to put away the winter coats, start looking for your sandals, and most important of all, treat yourself and that special someone to a fabulous New York City date. From fun and flirty nights out on the town to chill opportunities for one-on-on time, here are our ten best New York City spring date ideas.

Explore the High Line

The High Line has a little bit of something for everyone, but it can prove especially fun for those couples on the lookout for a popular place to enjoy a romantic walk together. Located on the remains of elevated train tracks that were once part of the New York Central Railroad’s West Side Line, the High Line is a 1.5-mile public park stretching from Gansevoort Street near the Whitney Museum of American Art in the Meatpacking District to the Javits Center at West 34th Street amid the hustle and bustle of Hudson Yards. Along the way, you’ll stroll past striking art installations and elaborate garden spaces while taking in scenic views and having your pick of pop-up food vendors.

Cruise around Town

Speaking of scenic views, why not celebrate the return of spring by going on a water cruise around New York City? Well-regarded local tour operators like Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and Hornblower City Cruises offer a wide range of award-winning NYC boat tours that’ll let you and your date experience New York City as never before. For that unforgettable time, consider going on a sunset cruise. The breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline available from New York Harbor and the East River will make for a romantic evening and then some.

Take in a Show

New York City’s nightlife is second to none, and one of the hallmarks of its unbeatable entertainment scene is its expansive array of live shows. On any given spring evening in New York City you’ll have your choice of music concerts, comedy shows, sporting events, and much, much more. Of course, if you’re looking to put together a spring date night to remember, try and make time to take in a Broadway show. It’s tough to beat a night out on Broadway, particularly when you can end your evening by strolling together through nearby Times Square.

Stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge

Winter wears on even the biggest fans of cold weather, so we’re all more than ready to get out and about and soak up the spring sunshine. When it comes to seeking out fresh air in New York City, going for a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge is a rite of passage. Between the romantic views and plentiful photo opportunities, this is another timeless New York activity for couples tailormade for springtime. Best of all—it’s the type of date opportunity where you don’t even need to spend a cent!

Partake in a Romantic Bike Ride

In recent years, New York City has become quite the haven for cycling enthusiasts. Manhattan and Brooklyn, in particular, are full of opportunities for fun-filled bike rides. If you’re in the mood for a casual spring date, sign up for a guided bike tour—popular tour company Unlimited Biking organizes informative guided bike tours of classic New York City attractions like Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge on a regular basis. Or, if you want to create your very own spring date adventure, rent a bike for a few hours and head out on a romantic bike ride just the two of you.

Check Out a New Restaurant in a Hot Neighborhood

Spring, summer, winter, fall: name a time of the year, and it doesn’t get much more “classic date night” than hitting the town for a romantic dinner out at an acclaimed restaurant in a happening neighborhood. But there’s something extra special about a dinner date night during springtime in New York City. So pick a neighborhood known for its charming cafés and cozy bars—like, for instance, NoLita—or head to a perennially trendy dining spot such as Williamsburg in Brooklyn and indulge in an evening of culinary pleasures.

Go to a Food Market

Let’s face it: not all of us are the type to enjoy a fancy, sit-down meal at a trendy, expensive restaurant. If you’re not in the mood for that sort of experience—or you’re looking for something a bit more casual and budget friendly—consider heading to one of New York City’s delicious food markets. Popular options include Chelsea Market, which houses dozens of restaurants, food vendors, and assorted retailers in a historic Nabisco factory; and the Time Out Market New York, where you’ll encounter all types of eateries, as well as a lovely rooftop bar, in the heart of Brooklyn’s hip DUMBO neighborhood.

Make it a Picnic

Here’s a spring date idea that’ll take your meal plans to the next level: make it a picnic date! That’s right, take your lunch to one of New York City’s beautiful parks and create the perfect combination of good food, great company, and breathtaking scenery. You’ll be spoiled for options. Central Park is the quintessential New York City picnic destination, of course, but you can’t go wrong heading to Brooklyn Bridge Park, Prospect Park, or Hudson River Park either.

Observe the World from the Empire State Building

Does it get much more romantic than a trip to the top of the one-and-only Empire State Building? Be your own judge and plan a date this spring at arguably the world’s most famous skyscraper. The Empire State Building contains numerous informative exhibits and interactive displays, but its biggest draws, of course, are its observation decks located on the 86th and 102nd floors. At either of these spots you’ll be able to enjoy staggeringly good views in all directions. Just be sure and have your camera at the ready!

Create a Date That’s a Work of Art

New York City is home to some of the finest museums found anywhere in the world, so when in doubt, head to any one of them for instant spring date magic! This is a great option, too, if those proverbial April showers are hindering your efforts to do something outdoors. No matter whether the two of you are in the mood for modern art, Egyptian artifacts, photography exhibits, or you want to learn more about the history of New York City itself, there’s a museum here that’s perfect for you both. Favorite New York City museums include such attractions as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, Museum of the City of New York, and the Paley Center for Media, just to name a few.

Ten Things to Do in New York City in Fall

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Sure, summer was a blast, but who among us isn’t ready for cooler temperatures and lower humidity? Fortunately, fall is almost here, and that means it’s time for crisp air, falling leaves, and a whole bunch of classic New York City autumnal activities. From extraordinary seasonal festivals to quintessential indoor experiences, here are ten fun things to do in New York City this fall.

Stroll Through a Farmers’ Market

New York City’s fabulous farmers’ market scene isn’t just an enjoyable experience during the long hot summer. All throughout autumn, you can find outdoor markets across the city that cater to fall tastes. From popular area specialties like apple cider donuts to seasonal produce, goods, and more, farmers’ markets are a staple of New York City’s autumn months. If you’ve only got time for one, try and visit Union Square’s famous Greenmarket. This Manhattan institution is active multiple days a week year-round, and routinely features hundreds of distinctive vendors.

Walking Tour of Times Square and Broadway

Go on a Walking Tour

There’s never a bad time to get out and about and pound some New York City pavement, but there’s something about going for a walk in The Big Apple during fall that’s particularly special. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the pleasant afternoon temperatures are practically imploring you to get out and stretch your legs. So why not make your walk a whole thing and go on a guided walking tour of New York City? You’ll be amazed at the options in front of you. Whether you want to do some sightseeing, learn about the history of a given neighborhood, witness striking examples of local street art, or stand in the spot where they filmed your favorite scene from The Sopranos, you can’t go wrong with a guided walking tour.

Bask in New York City’s Fall Foliage

Speaking of the leaves turning, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that New York is all concrete, asphalt, glass, and steel. That’s a rookie mistake. New York City is full of lovely parks and beautiful outdoor spaces of all types, which makes it a great place to enjoy the glorious colors that fall brings. Some people swear by trips upstate for leaf-viewing this time of year, but why bother with the hassle of hopping on the highway when you can enjoy gold, brown, red, and orange wonders right here in the city? Everybody has their own favorite spot for fall foliage, but for starters it’s hard to beat Central Park, Fort Tryon Park, and the criminally underappreciated Wave Hill.

View New York City’s Autumnal Colors from Above

If a visit to one or more of those beloved parks doesn’t satiate your desire for all things autumn colors, then perhaps it’s time for you to head to one of New York City’s many popular observation decks. Especially if you’ve never been to New York before, you’re definitely going to want to see the city from the sky, and this time of year you’ll have the added bonus of a unique perspective on the changing colors of autumn. Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock Observation Deck will provide you with the best views of Central Park and its sumptuous shades of fall, but the Empire State Building is something else, too. It’s got not one, but two different observation decks for you to choose from, in fact.

Find a Fall Festival

Fall is festival season in New York, so no matter what you’re most interested in, there’s quite likely a festival featuring it taking place somewhere in the city between the months of September and November. Perennial favorites include the New York Film Festival, New York Comic Con, the New Yorker Festival, the New York City Food and Wine Festival, BRIC JazzFest, and the New York Comedy Festival, just to name a few.

Kayak the East River from Brooklyn

Rent a Kayak

Okay, so fine, I admit it: I’ve talked a big game here in this space thus far, but sometimes it is hard to let go of summer—or at least parts of it. That’s why some of you might be happy to know that one of the city’s best summertime activities—kayaking on the East River—is actually a fall activity, too! That’s right, kayaks can be rented at scenic Brooklyn Bridge Park through October, and best of all, it’s free on Wednesdays.

Visit the New York Botanical Garden

No matter the time of year, one of my favorite spots in all of New York City is the New York Botanical Garden. Located adjacent to the always-fun Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden contains more than four-dozen distinctive gardens spread out across roughly 250 acres of impeccably maintained land. We’re talking about an attraction where you can literally see over one million plants, so it’s a special occasion any time you can visit this wonderful place. Still, the fall makes for amazing circumstances here. In particular, the Marjorie G. Rosen Seasonal Walk is open to the public until November—you won’t want to miss its autumn colors!

Brownstone Halloween in New York City.

Have a Happy Halloween

New York City is a fantastic place to celebrate Halloween. There are just so many different ways to get your fill and fix of spookiness throughout October and beyond. From legendary parties like the Village Halloween Parade to charming sights like the Central Park Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla, New York City and Halloween make for a terrific combination.

Feast in Little Italy

Who doesn’t love a good Feast, right? And the Feast of San Gennaro isn’t just your typical, run-of-the-mill Feast. This 11-day event runs from mid- to late-September and makes for the perfect excuse to explore the numerous treats offered up by the Little Italy and NoLita neighborhoods. The Feast of San Gennaro features live music, parades, eating competitions, and a whole lot more. Plus, if that weren’t enough, some of the city’s best restaurants and finest shopping opportunities are located nearby.

Cheer on the Yankees

Major League Baseball’s championship is decided each year during the World Series, a prominent North American sporting event long-nicknamed . . . The Fall Classic. And no team has won The Fall Classic on more occasions than the one-and-only New York Yankees, who have been World Series champions a whopping 27 times. So, yeah, fall is kind of a big deal in The Bronx, the borough where you’ll find fabled Yankee Stadium located. If it’s autumn in New York, that means the Yankees—who haven’t had a losing season in over 30 years—are loading up for another title run, so check out a game if you have the time, or go on the excellent behind-the-scenes tour of Yankee Stadium.

New York City Gardens in Spring

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No matter who we are or where we live, each year the return of spring makes for a special time in our lives, but this is most definitely the case in the one and only New York City. The temperatures are rising, the days are growing longer, and there’s something in the air that seems to promise happy days are here again. Most of all, the arrival of spring in New York City means that the trees are sprouting leaves, the flowers are blooming, and we’re all ready to get back outside and enjoy some fresh air.

One of the most memorable ways of marking the return of spring to New York City is by visiting one or more of its many spectacular gardens. Read on for some suggestions about where to go in order to celebrate New York City’s spring garden scene in style.

New York Botanical Garden

No springtime trip to New York City is truly complete without a visit to the New York Botanical Garden. A New York institution since the late 19th Century, the New York Botanical Garden sits on a grand 250 acres of land in the heart of the Bronx, making it the biggest city-based botanical garden in the entire United States. It is home to some 50 distinct garden spaces that support over a million plants. Favorite attractions here include the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, the Maureen K. Chilton Azalea Garden, the cherry and magnolia trees in the Arboretum Collection, and the Native Plant Garden (which is devoted specifically to North American species). The New York Botanical Garden is also the site of one of the largest botanical archives in the world, the LuEsther T. Mertz Library.

The New York Botanical Garden is located adjacent to the Bronx Zoo, so if it’s an especially nice day outside and you’ve got your walking shoes on, make a plan to hit up both of these attractions on the same spring afternoon.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is another essential stop on any springtime garden survey of New York City. This 50-acre facility contains 15 separate gardens and 6 distinct conservatories. Particularly compelling aspects of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden include the Tropical Pavilion, Bonsai Museum, and the Discovery Garden. The “Cherry Walk” path that takes you along the garden’s scenic esplanade is resplendent this time of year, and the Lilac Collection comes highly recommended. It makes for a gorgeous (and educational!) excursion.

Keep in mind that Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s prominent location puts it near several other notable New York City attractions. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden itself is situated directly between the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park Zoo, with the Brooklyn Children’s Museum found just about 1.5 miles to the east. Prospect Park itself is an outstanding place to spend some time, too, if you want to soak up even more plant life in bloom during a New York City spring.

Conservatory Garden

Located just off 5th Avenue, between East 104th and 106th Streets, Conservatory Garden has been a Central Park landmark since 1937. This six-acre plot has a formal design that divides the garden up into three parts: the French-inspired North Garden, the Italian-inspired Center Garden, and the English-inspired South Garden. Highlights of Conservatory Garden include lilacs, crabapple trees, tulips, and chrysanthemums, just to name a few plant varieties that thrive here. A great spot to snap a picture or indulge in some people watching is a water-lily pool dedicated to the memory of Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of the beloved children’s novel, The Secret Garden. There’s a statue in her honor, and the scene is flanked by magnolia trees.

If you’re looking to expand the scope of your outing, you’ll find El Museo del Barrio and the Museum of the City of New York just outside Conservatory Garden’s main entrance, which is marked by the stately Vanderbilt Gate.

Shakespeare Garden

While it may not be as famous as some of the gardens detailed above, Central Park’s Shakespeare Garden is well worth your time, too. In fact, this cozy, four-acre space is a can’t-miss attraction for literature lovers, or anyone who has ever enjoyed a production of one of William Shakespeare’s plays. That’s because this delightful garden has been planted entirely with an assortment of flowers, trees, shrubs, and herbs mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. Interspersed throughout the garden you’ll also find a series of bronze plaques that feature Shakespeare quotes discussing plants. Put it all together and it’s a terrific spot for a contemplative stroll on a beautiful spring day.

It’s worth noting as well that Shakespeare Garden is located in Central Park at the 79th Street Transverse. This puts it roughly halfway between the American Museum of Natural History (to the west) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (to the east). If you’re interested in pairing a springtime garden exploration with a visit to either one of these popular NYC museums, this right here might be the makings of a good itinerary.

Take a Tour

You’ve been cooped up inside all winter, so when in doubt, just get out there and go on a bike or walking tour of New York City! During the spring months here, it’s not just the aforementioned gardens that are in bloom, but the entire city is full of life. As a result, most everywhere you adventure is liable to hold some type of spring surprise. Even a place like Fifth Avenue—legendary for its glamorous shopping destinations and bustling crowds—finds itself transformed during the spring months, when its sidewalks host thousands of flower installations that burst in colorful designs. Stop and smell the roses, or snag that perfect selfie—just whatever you do, be sure to enjoy the fresh spring air all around you!

Renting a bike and taking a carefree ride can be the perfect way to grab that fresh air and enjoy the blooming of these myriad New York City plant lives from a unique perspective. Or, just getting out and about on foot, you never quite know what springtime garden delights you might encounter!

Ten Things to Do in New York City in Spring

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No matter the time of year, New York is the place to be. Having said that, there’s just something about the city when the calendar turns to spring. And wouldn’t you know, right on schedule, spring is just around the corner! It’ll be here before we know it, which means it’s time to start making plans. Here are ten things to do in New York City this spring.

Unleash Your Inner Sports Fan

Spring is a great time to be a sports fan in New York City. Baseball has started again, which means both the Yankees and Mets are back in action, but that’s only part of the story. The Knicks and Rangers are still playing regular season games for a few more weeks, while Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls (who play just across the river in New Jersey) and the Manchester City-owned New York City FC are beginning their seasons, too. Add it all up and you’re spoiled for options. If you don’t have time to take in an entire game, or the team is on the road while you’re in town, consider taking a tour of iconic Yankee Stadium or legendary Madison Square Garden.

Take Time for a Tour

No matter whether this is your first time visiting New York, or you’ve been in the city more times than you can remember, it’s never a bad idea to take a guided tour here. New York City is constantly changing, and an effective way to learn more about this ever-evolving place is from those who know it best. Embrace the arrival of spring by going on an open-top, hop-on hop-off bus tour. Stretch your legs on a walking tour of a neighborhood you’ve never explored before. Or just rent a bike from a vendor near Central Park and set off on a joy ride in the fresh spring air.

Make March Museum Month

Just because the weather is steadily improving and the days are slowly but surely getting longer, that doesn’t mean you have to immediately begin spending every waking second in the great outdoors. In fact, the spring is a terrific time of year to check out one of New York City’s world-famous museums. In addition to their acclaimed permanent collections, institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art run special exhibits all throughout the spring months. Plus, each one of these establishments have outdoor terrace areas that are perfect for a casual lunch or a leisurely cup of coffee.

Leave Land Behind (for an Hour or Two)

Some of the best views of New York City and its extraordinary skyline are to be had from the water. As a result, consider taking a sightseeing cruise around New York Harbor with a boat tour operator like Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and Hornblower City Cruises. Along the way, you’ll have unparalleled opportunities to see (and photograph!) attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and more. If you’re feeling particularly daring, book a seat on a night cruise and make a splendid spring evening out of watching the bright lights twinkle on the East River.

Go on a Spring Shopping Spree

Now that it’s spring and we can at long last pack away the scarves, hats, gloves, and big puffy coats for a few months, it’s time to take stock of the state of your wardrobe. Fortunately, you find yourself in New York City—the perfect place to go shopping and freshen up the closet just in time for warmer weather! From the luxury brands of Fifth Avenue’s glamorous storefronts to the unique experiences of Brooklyn’s hippest boutiques and everything in between, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for and more when shopping in New York City.

Pack a Lunch and Hit the Park

For all its crowded sidewalks, busy streets, and soaring skyscrapers, New York is a city of parks, too. Beautiful public spaces abound throughout New York City, and springtime is the perfect season to take advantage of these civic treasures. Naturally, when one thinks of parks in New York City, remarkable places like Central Park, Prospect Park, the High Line, and Brooklyn Bridge Park spring to mind—but there are plenty of other outstanding options out there to choose from. Put on comfortable shoes, grab take-out from that lunch spot you’ve read about, and make an afternoon of it.

Embrace the Luck of the Irish

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting New York on St. Patrick’s Day, well then you’re pretty lucky, because March 17th is a special time to be in the city. The St. Patrick’s Day parade, which runs for some 40 blocks along Fifth Avenue, is a can’t-miss event, but that only scratches the surface of the fun to be had in New York City during this celebration of all things Irish. Grab a pint of Guinness at one of New York’s fine Irish pubs, or enjoy a modern take on classic Irish cuisine at one of the city’s upscale Irish restaurants. Or, do both of those things and then take in a play at the Irish Repertory Theatre and a concert at the Irish Arts Center. Whatever you decide to do, just remember to wear something green while you’re doing it!

Set the Kids Free

You know who else is psyched that spring is in the air again? Your children: so why not make their day and let them put a stop or two on the itinerary? Trust us, New York City is overflowing with kid-friendly attractions. Whether they steer you toward the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, the Central Park Zoo, or the American Museum of Natural History, it’s sure to be a destination that’ll prove to be fun for the entire family.

Stop and Smell the Roses

New York City is home to a number of fabulous gardens just waiting for you to venture forth and explore them on a lovely spring day. In Central Park you’ll find two popular smaller gardens, the Conservatory Garden and Shakespeare Garden, well worth a visit. In the shadow of Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum you’ll encounter the charming Brooklyn Botanic Garden, while the nation’s largest urban botanical garden, the New York Botanical Garden, is located right next to the Bronx Zoo. Its 250 acres contain over one million plants, making it an incredible place to stroll regardless of whether you favor roses, lilacs, or azaleas—or if you just want to wander through the biggest herb garden you’ve ever seen!

Discover Something New

Spring, as they say, is the season of renewal, a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. When in doubt, devote part of your springtime New York City visit to discovering something new and/or doing something fresh. Visit that neighborhood you’ve always wanted to explore. Try that cuisine you’ve always wanted to taste. Embrace that adventure you’ve always wanted to take. It’s springtime in New York—have fun and make the most of it!

Six Super-Secret New York City Parks

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New York City is home to a wonderful network of parks and gardens. Some of these green spaces, like Central Park, Prospect Park, or the New York Botanical Garden, are famous attractions that draw visitors year-round in droves. However, scattered throughout New York City you’ll find approximately 1,700 different parks, meaning that there are plenty of delightful spots slightly more off the proverbial beaten path.

Okay, okay, fair enough: maybe the following hidden gems aren’t, technically speaking, “super-secret,” as the headline would have it. Still, they’re pretty special places where you’ll be able to step away for a moment from New York City’s hustle and bustle and enjoy all that a lovely, outdoor public space has to offer.

Paley Park

Paley Park is not only a peaceful retreat set in the midst of one of New York City’s liveliest areas, it’s a place of some historical importance. Considered by many to be one of America’s first “pocket parks,” Paley Park’s mere 4,200 square feet have charmed guests ever since its opening in 1967. Here you’ll find plenty of chairs to rest in as you gaze at the park’s centerpiece, a 20-foot-tall waterfall. There’s a food kiosk located at Paley Park’s entrance, and numerous seasonal plantings add a green touch to the cozy environment. What’s more, Paley Park is located at 3 East 53rd Street, putting it just steps away from major New York City attractions like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, and more.

Elevated Acre

Who doesn’t love to daydream from time to time about the idea that they could discover their own little secret world just by accessing a hidden door or secret passageway? Well, the Elevated Acre is about the closest you can come to living out such a fantasy in New York City. This secret park is, you guessed it, only an acre big, and must be reached by a non-descript escalator tucked away at 55 Wall Street. Elevated Acre packs a lot into a small space. Here you’ll find a pleasant lawn where you can stretch out and relax, as well as an amphitheater. In the summer, the space hosts a beer garden, but year-round the views (specifically toward the East River and Brooklyn, as well as of the Brooklyn Bridge) are outstanding. And when you’re ready to move on, you’ll find yourself not far from the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Observatory, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, and Battery Park, where you can catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Heather Garden

The Heather Garden at Fort Tryon Park is consistently rated one of New York City’s best garden parks, and it’s most definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for a quiet space to explore on a beautiful afternoon. Comprised of three lush acres that support many different kinds of trees, shrubs, and plants, the headliner here is the heather collection. This hearty evergreen grows in a variety of sizes and colors, and is well-represented across this splendid park. In addition to the plant life featured in the Heather Garden, Fort Tryon Park offers stunning views out across the Hudson River (there are portions where the park is some 200 feet above the water, which makes for majestic sightlines). Furthermore, The Met Cloisters—a branch of The Met that houses European medieval art in a monastery-like museum structure—can be found at the north end of the park.

Sutton Place Park

Set right alongside the East River waterfront, Sutton Place Park actually consists of 5 pocket parks (be advised: they don’t all connect together as one park, so if you want to experience every single one, you’ll need to locate multiple entrances). It’s a great spot to get some fresh air by going for a little stroll or sipping a coffee on a bench. Here you’ll have practically unmatched views of the Queensboro Bridge, as well as Roosevelt Island and Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park. A popular spot for pictures is the Porcellino statue, a replica of the famous 17th Century Pietro Tacca artwork that anchors a fountain in Florence, Italy. There’s also a playground for the kids nearby.

Gil Hodges Community Garden

This community garden, named after the great Brooklyn Dodgers first baseman Gil Hodges, is part of the New York Restoration Project, an organization that has spent roughly 30 years striving to “ensure that all New Yorkers have equitable access to green space” (as their official website describes their mission). Free and open to the public, the Gil Hodges Community Garden contains a sophisticated stormwater management system, a peaceful patio, and most notably, a “fragrance walk.” This distinctive park path is lined purposefully with aromatic plants like magnolias, azaleas, mint, and more. It’s located just 1.5 miles east of the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Prospect Park Zoo.

Wave Hill

As we mentioned in the introduction above, a hidden gem like Wave Hill isn’t a secret so much as it is under-visited by guests to New York City. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, this beloved Bronx treasure is well worth the time and energy it takes to seek it out. Wave Hill is an approximately 30-acre estate found in the Riverdale neighborhood, situated alongside the Hudson River. The Wave Hill House dates back to the mid-19th Century, when it hosted such prominent figures as Theodore Roosevelt and Mark Twain, and today it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. The real attraction, though, is its Public Garden and Cultural Center. These spaces feature a beautiful array of flowers, plants, and herbs, a stately pergola, and breathtaking views of the New Jersey Palisades. Plenty of special events take place here throughout the year, too.